Name: Corn on the Cob Foil Packet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3-4 large ears of sweet corn (shucked); 8 Tbsp butter; 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); Salt and pepper to taste

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Buttery corn on the cob foil packets are the ultimate easy BBQ side dish — perfect for camping, grilling, and effortless summer meals.

This corn on the cob recipe is a summertime staple and the perfect side dish for grilling and camping!

Corn on the cob makes a delicious side dish for beer can chicken, BBQ hot dogs, or smoked brisket. This is a great way to cook whole corn because the foil packet makes cleanup a breeze!

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Looking for more easy & delicious camping recipes? Be sure to check out….

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What Types of Corn Work Best?

Dent, popcorn, and sweet corn are the most common types of corn grown. Sweet corn is ideal for cooking and grilling and has a higher sugar content than other corn.

Our favorite kind of sweet corn is called “Peaches and Cream”, but any variety will do nicely.

How to Make Corn Packets

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Supplies

Traeger 780 Pro Smoker Grill – This is our Traeger model — it’s the perfect size for families who like to entertain! Be sure to check out all of our must-have Traeger products.
Heavy duty foil
Measuring spoons
Sharp knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

Sweet corn, shucked – Fresh sweet corn is naturally juicy and slightly sweet, making it the perfect vegetable for grilling or cooking in foil packets.
Butter – It melts into the kernels while cooking, adding rich flavor and keeping the corn moist and tender.
Fresh parsley, chopped – For a light herbal flavor and a pop of color that makes the finished corn look just as good as it tastes.
Salt and pepper, to taste – A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the buttery flavor.

Instructions

1. Peel the outer husk and silk from the ears of corn.

2. Create a foil packet from aluminum foil torn to about 12″ in length.

3. Place an ear of corn in the center of the foil, then top with butter and salt and pepper.

4. Seal edges of the packet by pulling up the long sides of the foil and creating a 2-inch fold at the top.

5. Fold up the sides of foil with a double fold to lock in all of the ingredients.

6. Heat grill to medium heat and place packets on the BBQ.

7. Grill for 40 minutes.

8. Open packets carefully and garnish with parsley before serving.

The great thing about foil packet recipes is how versatile they are! Every time that I make this delicious side dish I tweak it just a bit, depending on what I have in the kitchen or pantry.

Try adding other vegetables to your packets! We love these root vegetables in foil as well.

Make a Vegetable Foil Pack

Potatoes
Red onions
Bell pepper
Zucchini
Mushrooms
Beets

Try adding different spices and seasonings to each corn on the cob foil pack.

Optional Seasoning Ideas

Ranch seasoning
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Fresh thyme
Seasoning salt

We often plan to make these fully loaded campfire potatoes on each camping trip we have planned and simply cook them over the campfire. It’s a great way to make an effortless side dish with easy cleanup!

Tips for Foil Packet Cooking

Help prevent the corn from sticking to the sheets of foil by spraying the inside with cooking spray or brushing with olive oil.

Make full foil packet meals by adding chicken breast, summer sausage, or salmon to the foil pack corn cobs.

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Our Camp Cooking Essentials

A pie iron camp cooker makes cooking over the open fire super easy. Check out these 20+ Pie Iron Recipe Ideas for tons of camp cooker inspiration! Or visit my how to use a pie iron post for tips.
Foil pie plates make tinfoil packet meals even easier with the sturdy base that they provide.
These grilling bags that I recently found are amazing! Simply add all of your ingredients to the bag at home, then throw it on the campfire or grill when camping in the great outdoors.
We love these BBQ cooking gloves because they make handling campfire food a whole lot safer!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to cook corn on the cob in foil on the grill?
Corn wrapped in foil typically cooks in about 15–20 minutes on a medium-heat grill (around 350–375°F), turning occasionally for even cooking.

Do you need to soak corn before grilling it in foil?
No. When corn is wrapped in foil, the packet traps steam and moisture, so soaking the corn beforehand isn’t necessary.

Should corn be grilled in foil or directly on the grill?
Foil packets help lock in moisture and prevent burning, making them a great option when grilling alongside other foods or cooking at a campsite.

How do you know when grilled corn is done?
Corn is ready when the kernels are plump and tender when pierced with a fork, usually after about 15–20 minutes on the grill.

Can you prepare corn foil packets ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the foil packets with butter and seasoning earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill or cook them over the campfire.

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